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We must confess to a weakness for perfectly cooked dough covered in tomato sauce, cheese, and toppings. While we shouldn't perhaps eat as much as we do, it's made us experts at tracking down the best pizza joints. So to save you the trouble, we're going to let you in on our favorites in Jacksonville, FL. more Where to Find the Best Pizza in Jacksonville, FL 1. Carmines Pie House We start with a diner-style restaurant funkily decorated with murals by local artists that serves an extensive range of pies to suit all tastes. At lunchtime, we'll often order pizza by the slice here for a quick meal, while if we're in for dinner, we're taking an entire pie for ourselves. You can pick from three sizes of New York thin and crispy or go for Chicago-style deep stuffed. Whichever you choose, there's a vast range of meat, vegetable, and gourmet toppings to add, or you can go for one of the quirkily named set recipes like our favorite, “Porky's the Revenge” which has pulled bbq pork, onion, cheese, and sweet potato. 2. Picasso's This restaurant prides itself on the freshest, locally sourced ingredients and uses them to produce a range of pizza that's as extensive as it is delicious. You can choose a New York base from the brick oven or take a more unusual Meditteranean medium-weight crust or even a square-cut thin Saint Louis. From there, it's build-your-favorite from the cheese, meat, seafood, and vegetable selection, or pick a signature dish that's taken your interest. There are over thirty, so you might need the help of the excellent staff to make your choice. “Heart of the Mediterranean” is one gem that we appreciate. The base is covered with extra-virgin olive oil, hand-minced garlic, and cheeses, and then delicious artichokes, palm hearts, sun-dried tomatoes,  fresh goat cheese, and fried basil leaves are added on top. 3. Tony D's New York If you're in town looking for a perfect New York pie, this is an authentic and straightforward place that lets the food do the talking. Our local tip is to check out Tuesday nights when the pizza is offered at extra-special prices. The pies come in 10, 14, 16, and 18-inch diameters, so you'll be good no matter how hungry you are. As usual, you can design your own or go with the menu's selection that has such delights as the “Meatball Parm” or the feast that is the “New York Special.” Whatever you choose, you'll be satisfied, and it's worth knowing that gluten-free base options are available. 4. Joseph's Having been around since 1956, Joseph's is proud to call itself the city's oldest pizzeria. This lively, family-owned institution is a must-visit for fans of everything dough-based. Everything is made from scratch on-site, and we always enjoy the fun atmosphere inside. You'll find daily happy-hour by-the-slice specials that are perfect if you're hungry in the afternoon, and then for dinner, the full homemade pizzas take over. Pies are slow-cooked in the stone-baked oven to produce a perfect crisp crust. You can design your own or take a set choice, and we especially enjoy the “Tivoli,” which has Alfredo sauce, mushrooms, broccoli, mozzarella, and chicken. New visitors should also check out the house specialty “Stuffed Pizza Rolls.” 5. Al's Our last recommendation is a local business that produces New York-style pies from dough made fresh in-house every day. The restaurant is casual with an atmosphere that is great for family get-togethers or parties. Importantly kids are catered for with a menu for the smaller mouths. The gourmet hand-tossed range comes in traditional styles like “The Italian,” or you could try something more exotic like the “Spicy Caribbean Chicken.” Whether we take one of these or create our own, we're always satisfied and full at the end. Preferably before you get greasy fingers, make sure that you visit us at Tom Bush BMW Orange Park. We've been in the area since 1970 and are the number one for the complete BMW line-up and quality pre-owned vehicles.

Whether you are looking for an overnight beachside stay or a tranquil forest retreat, Jacksonville, FL has something for you. Located on the Atlantic Ocean and adorned with mature oaks and pines, this northern part of Florida boasts pristine beaches, abundant fishing, serene canoeing, and miles of hiking. Let's take a look at some of our favorite places for camping. more 5 Favorite Local Camping Areas Near Jacksonville, FL 1. Little Talbot Island State Park Located on Little Talbot Island, this campground is the perfect place to relax under the canopies of oaks and Spanish moss. Set up your tent on the Florida sand, and take a hike to the gorgeous Atlantic beaches or along saltwater creeks through the forest. Enjoy the company of the otters, turtles, and birds as you fish, canoe, or just watch the waves roll in. Strolling on the beach, you'll likely find unique seashells, starfish, and sand dollars. 2. Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park For a family weekend excursion, Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park is the place to go. In addition to hiking trails lined with palms and boardwalk access to 1.5 miles of soft beach, this park has a lake where the family can kayak, canoe, paddleboat, and fish. Cookout in the picnic areas while the kids exhaust themselves with refreshing fun in the splash park. At the campground store, pick up firewood to end the day sitting out under the stars. 3. Huguenot Campground Located at the oceanfront Huguenot Memorial Park, this Jacksonville campground is right next to the beach. Cast a line into the Atlantic Ocean and watch the boats come in as you unwind to the lulling sounds of the sea. The campground amenities are new, clean, and well-maintained. 4. Cary Campground If you're looking for some peace and relaxation, this campground is located in Cary State Forest. Providing both RV and primitive sites, the forest's most popular activities are wildlife viewing, hiking, fishing and horseback riding. After a day of recreation, rest by the fire in the secluded peacefulness of the spacious sites. You'll be away from the crowds, but still have the amenities of 30/50 amp electricity hookups, water, a cement pad, a fire ring, and benches. 5. Jennings State Forest: Hammock and Bootleggers Campgrounds For those drawn to more secluded and unplugged primitive outings, we recommend Hammock and Bootleggers Campgrounds located in the Jennings State Forest. Just 10 miles southwest of Jacksonville, you will find the quiet, rustic beauty of creeks, tall pine trees, and an abundance of wildlife. The sites are level and spaced far apart, equipped with picnic tables and firepits. The state forest is open for hiking, bicycling, canoeing, and horseback riding. Jacksonville, FL offers wonderful campgrounds to meet your idea of a proper outdoor experience. If you are taking a trip to any of these incredible areas, make sure to do so in the comfort of one of the finest cars or SUVs in the area. Visit Tom Bush BMW Orange Park today where our knowledgeable staff will help you find a vehicle that best suits your needs.

Jacksonville is the largest city in Florida, so it's natural to assume they have some impressive spaces for live music. Whether you're looking for a large concert or a small intimate space, you'll find it in the city. Next time you're looking to hear live music, consider these five music venues in Jacksonville, FL. more 5 of the Best Music Venues in and Around Jacksonville, FL 1: 1904 Music Hall This smaller venue in downtown Jacksonville is a unique space. The atmosphere you'll find here is dark and intimate, with art murals lining the walls. No matter where you're seated or standing, you'll never be far from the musicians. They feature many local bands as well as regional touring musicians. You will also find cocktails, beer, and wine to enjoy with your music. Alcohol is intended only for those 21 years of age or older. Don't drink and drive. 2: Seawalk Pavillion The Seawalk Pavillion is near Jacksonville Beach. This outdoor music space is home to various music festivals and events year-round. You'll find that they consistently host concert series for different genres of music. For example, they host a Beach Jazz series and a Blues series. Larger musicians have performed here, such as Red Jumpsuit Apparatus. If you're looking to hear local talent, this is a great place. Artists can apply to perform. 3: Grape and Grain Exchange Grape and Grain is a local taproom and storefront. They offer a variety of wine, beer, and handcrafted cocktails to enjoy. The best part about this space is that musicians perform on a stage in their backroom, doubling as a speakeasy. If you want to enjoy artists' musical stylings while you sip on your cocktails, you must go through a bookcase located within the building. Alcohol is intended only for those of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly. 4: Blue Jay Listening Room The Blue Jay Listening Room owner and creator is a musician who loves nothing more than listening to musicians' stories. She designed this space so that it was incredibly intimate, so that guests can truly absorb and process what the musicians are telling them through song. The stage is small but allows all patrons to feel connected to the artists through how close they're all to each other. You can see live music here almost every weekend and on Mondays. 5: Breezy Jazz House The Breezy Jazz House is a premier restaurant and jazz experience in downtown Jacksonville. They first opened their doors in 2020 with the hopes of becoming the best jazz spot in the city. Patrons will find fine dining here while listening to the stylings of various jazz musicians. This jazz club does require you to pay a twenty-dollar cover charge, but the atmosphere and music are entirely worth it. If you want to feel even fancier, check out their VIP options. This large city has so much to offer when it comes to hearing live music. From the large venues to the intimate, small stages, everywhere you go, is sure to be a memorable experience. Stop by Tom Bush BMW today for even more great recommendations for live music in town.